The last thing an NFL player should worry about is if his fan base will pout if he studies a rival to improve his own game. I know damn well any fan who complains about who Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe studies is an idiot.
In the immortal words of John McEnroe, "You cannot be serious!" The 12s are known as one of the most dedicated fan bases in any sport. Don't take that as a slight until you've actually gone to war over a game; see El Salvador versus Honduras, 1969. Let's just say the 12s are very supportive and vocal when it comes to the Seahawks.
Now, one writer on social media is afraid that Jalen Milroe has riled the hornet's nest among the faithful. An article was published this Sunday, stating that Seattle's rookie QB picked an "unfortunate" NFL role model.
I assumed he meant someone who, you know, went to jail. I wondered, "Why on Earth would a young man as reportedly steady and thoughtful as Jalen Milroe do that?" It's okay; he just picked a 49er.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe is wisely studying Brock Purdy
Is that what the average 12 said when they read about Milroe's studies weeks ago? "Oh no, don't look at a rival team's player. That's not how you get better!" Right, oh heavens, please don't study what the final pick of the 2022 NFL draft did to become one of the league's better quarterbacks. Love him, hate him, you cannot deny that Purdy changed Mr. Irrelevant into Mr. Overachiever through hard work.
And here comes Jalen Milroe. By all accounts, he was one of the most gifted quarterbacks in the draft. He was also raw, and needed a lot of work. Happily, unlike certain rookies in Cleveland we could mention, he's well aware of his shortcomings. Moreover, he's happy to share those with his coaches and do all he can to improve.
As for choosing Purdy as his study, Milore said, "What’s unique about Brock is he played in the same system that I’m in right now. So, it’s been great to see the tape and see some of our reads and play calls, and watching him play. He understands his feet are tied into the read and pocket integrity. When he plays on time, that’s when he’s at his best and he’s been most efficient. That’s what I’ve been able to capture as I’ve studied his game."
What does Milroe need to work on? His accuracy and consistency, improved footwork. Who is he studying? Not the most gifted athlete at the position, but a guy who's had to maximize the gifts he has. I cannot believe that a single fan would be upset that their new quarterback, starter, or third-stringer would do whatever he needs to do to improve.
Eventually, the Seahawks will depend on Milroe to win games. It doesn't matter whether that's in two years or Week 2 of this year. I simply don't understand the mentality of saying, "Oh, that's the wrong role model." Yeah, if only he would study Rick Mirer or Dan McGwire.